With Deepest Sympathy Card and Video

When we need a sympathy card, we often don't have time to run to the store or feel like creating a card when we're sad. I like to keep several sympathy cards on hand for those reasons.

Here's a quick, but sweet, card you can create using the CTMH Artfully Sent Cricut Cartridge and a few other supplies.

I made a quick video to show how to use our ShinHan Touch Twin Markers to create the "Monet-like" flowers.

Black "With Deepest Sympathy" sentiment card cut at 4.25" pressing the Sentiment, Shift, and "T" key. I trimmed it to 4" long and left it at 5.5" wide. I added a piece of 8.5" x 5.5" Hollyhock cardstock, scored down the middle for the card base (sorry, I think I said Sorbet in the video, but it's Hollyhock!).

You can choose how large and how "muddled" to make your circles.

Inside sentiment

Supplies used:

• CTMH Cricut Artfully Sent Cartridge, Z3168
• Hollyhock Cardstock, 1246
• Black Cardstock, 1386
• Scrap of White Cardstock, 1385
• ShinHan Touch Twin Markers, in:
• P282, Peony Purple, Z2462
• RP198, Tender Pink, Z2464
• R5, Cherry Pink, Z2450
• Colorless Blender Marker, Z2469
• Sincere Expressions Stamp Set, A1146
• Exclusive Inks Stamp Pad in Black, Z2105

Seasonal Expressions 2 New Product Blog Hop

Not only has it finally warmed up here in Virginia, but the newest Seasonal Expressions Idea Book from Close To My Heart is out, too! Double bonus!! You're in for a treat as you hop around over 40 consultants blogs to find inspiration and creativity abounding. If you get lost along the way, see the full list here.

Thanks for visiting from Terry Ann Diack's blog.

I used one of the NEW mini albums (there are two!) from the Seasonal Expressions 2 to make a Father's Day mini album for my dad. I wish I'd been more on the ball to print out some of the adorable pics I'm going to include of my dad with my two sons. For now, you'll have to just imagine photos on the pages!

Materials used:

• My Creations Mini Mix Album, Z3069
• Jackson Paper Packet, X7195B
• Jackson Picture My Life Cards, Z3068
• Boardwalk Washi Tape Pack, Z3066
• Brave Enamel Shapes, Z3073
• Glacier Extra Thick Twine, Z3039
• Artiste, Z1790 Happy Father's Day cut at 1 1/2"
• Cocoa Ink, Z2114
• Triangle Border Punch, Z1997

If you'd like to view the entire album, please click here to see my 2 minute video walking you through all of the pages.

Now it's time to see what new product Lisa Plummer is going to show off for you.

To get your copy of the Seasonal Expressions 2, add it to your next CTMH order!

Artbooking Made Easy: Artbooking My Life

I hope you enjoy this video produced by Close To My Heart. It shows how to use both the Cricut Artbooking Cartridge and the Picture My Life program to create unique layouts that'll come together quickly and beautifully!

Base & Bling Wearable Crafts with Video Tutorial

Close To My Heart started offering Base & Bling, their trendy line of "wearable crafts" last summer. This Spring/Summer Idea Book showcases an expanded line that includes chains and pendants to make adorable necklaces that will showcase your individual personality!

By customizing the color of the chain and pendant (faux antiqued silver or faux antiqued gold), the shape of your pendant (square or circle), the sticker for the pendant (four different "themed" style sheets are available) and a plethora of charms to accessorize, you can create a one-of-a-kind craft that you can wear proudly!

Here is a quick video tutorial showing just how quick and simple it is to make your own!

My workshop fee is $10 for the base necklace (chain, pendant, glass cover and sticker), charms are an additional $1 each. If you have a specific sticker or charm (see below) that you want, you should purchase the set ahead of time for $3.95. You can view the full line here.

I'm holding a workshop on Tuesday, April 22nd at 7 pm to create your unique Base & Bling wearable craft! RSVP by April 7th and let me help you customize the perfect gift for you or someone you love! If you're not local, I'm happy to help you gather the supplies you need to create your very own piece!

Queen Charms

Storyteller Charms

Free Thinker Charms

Dreamer Charms

Free Thinker Style Sheet

Storyteller Style Sheet

Queen Style Sheet

Dreamer Style Sheet

Clearly the Best: A Burst of Creativity (S02E01)

It's a chilly 52 degrees here in Northern Virginia, and I swear I just saw animals lining up two by two to avoid these torrential downpours! So, I thought this video by CTMH execs was perfect. Check it out to see how to make a burst of sunshine on your cards.



What do you do to cheer yourself up on a rainy day?

Close To My Heart April New Consultant Kit

One of the best things I've done in the last few years is join Close To My Heart as an Independent Consultant.  It's the one thing I do in my daily life that is for ME.  Being a wife and mom to two young boys are my most important and rewarding jobs, but crafting and sharing my passion for CTMH products fill that need for accomplishing something for myself.

What can becoming a Close To My Heart Independent Consultant do for you?

There is room on my team for anyone interested in stamping, scrapbooking, card making, digital scrapbooking or paper crafting.  Whether you are completely new to crafting, new to CTMH or have been crafting for decades, there's a place for you here.

Watch the video below to see the $225 worth of gorgeous CTMH products you get when you join for only $49!

You can join for $49, make the Chantilly Workshop on the Go layouts, enjoy the stamp sets and use the two how-to books and never place another order with CTMH.  You can join as a hobbyist, share CTMH with a few friends and enjoy a great discount on fab products.  Or, the sky's the limit: join CTMH and build a business, doing what you love!  And, I'll have your back along the way, whatever direction you choose to take with CTMH!

You'll get everything you see above for just $49!  Not a penny more.  Because, when you join my team in April, I'll pay your shipping and taxes!  Just click here to learn more about becoming an Independent Consultant with Close To My Heart and to sign up today!

How To Kiss...

with Stamps.  Yeah, yeah, misleading title, I know.  But once you have this little technique under you're belt, you'll be as excited about using it as kissing Santa!  Watch CTMH Power Duo, Monica and Kristine, explain this fun technique.

Check back in on Thursday when I'll share CTMH's latest Constant Campaign...Whooo's Your Valentine!